Empowering Your Journey: Overcoming Self-Limiting Beliefs
Written on
Chapter 1: The Hidden Barriers to Publishing
What internal obstacles are keeping you from sharing your voice?
I can still hear my mother's reaction when I shared my aspiration to write for magazines. "Ha, well good luck with that," she chuckled dismissively. The impact of her words lingered for years, planting seeds of self-doubt in my mind. Was I truly cut out to be a writer?
Today, my self-belief compensates for what I lacked in encouragement. It's not arrogance; rather, I recognize that I am honing a skill that improves with practice. Each article I compose and every story I shape feels like another step toward mastery. I think of athletes who dedicate countless hours to training for their sport. Their sacrifices often go unnoticed.
Take Jonathan Cheechoo, for example, a former NHL player with the San Jose Sharks, whose commitment to hockey began at a young age. While other boys slept in, Cheechoo was already at the rink, perfecting his skills before dawn. His relentless practice paid off, culminating in winning the Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy as the league's top goal scorer in the 2005–2006 season.¹ His journey exemplifies how determination can help us surmount obstacles and achieve greatness.
Consider Bethany Hamilton, who faced skepticism after a shark attack cost her an arm at the age of thirteen. Many doubted she would ever surf again, yet just a month later, she was back on her board, ultimately winning national titles.² Had she succumbed to the negativity surrounding her, we would have lost one of surfing's most inspiring figures.
Like these remarkable athletes, I refuse to let others' disbelief extinguish my passion, and neither should you. We must focus on our dreams and the relentless pursuit of our goals.
Writing, like any other skill, demands dedication. The more you practice, the more proficient you become, and the easier it is to silence the naysayers. Every moment spent enhancing your writing reflects your resilience — a commitment to your growth, regardless of external validation.
Your journey is uniquely yours, and no one else's opinions should deter you from progressing. But what if we’re hindered by our own beliefs? What if our mindset is the true obstacle?
Section 1.1: Common Self-Limiting Beliefs
Nicolas Cole identifies prevalent self-limiting beliefs among writers. Recently, I encountered two statements that exemplified this mindset. The first came from an Instagram comment on a woman's account, asserting that Canadians can't earn money writing online. As a Canadian, I wholeheartedly disagree.
The second assertion came from a fellow writer who claimed that making a decent income as a writer is impossible. I quickly dismissed that notion, not out of naivety, but because it contradicts the success stories of writers like Dickie Busch, Matt Grey, and Nicolas Cole.
Cole highlights three significant self-limiting beliefs in his Ship 30 for 30 programs.³
Myth #1: You’re not a writer until you achieve some undefined milestone.
Cole asserts, "The moment you hit publish, you are a writer." Understanding this can liberate aspiring writers from the false notion that they must toil for years before finding success.
Myth #2: You have nothing to write about.
Believing you lack topics to write about is akin to assuming you shouldn't engage in conversations because you have nothing to contribute. We all possess unique stories and experiences worth sharing.
Myth #3: You can't revisit topics you've already written about.
The digital world craves fresh content. Cole encourages his students to write about resonant topics from multiple angles. Recently, I penned a viral article on print-on-demand, prompting me to explore various perspectives due to the ongoing interest.
The first video, "7 Beliefs That Keep You Stuck (And How to Change Them)," delves into common mindset traps that hinder personal and professional growth.
Section 1.2: Understanding and Overcoming Self-Limiting Beliefs
Self-limiting beliefs are thoughts that restrict our potential, often rooted in negative experiences or societal pressures. Recognizing these beliefs is the first step toward overcoming them.
As a child, I internalized experiences that made me feel unworthy of the title "writer." Such beliefs can plague anyone, regardless of their skills or profession. Common thoughts include:
I'm not smart enough.
I lack experience.
I'm too old to start anew.
It's too late to pursue my dreams.
Others are more talented than I am.
I don't deserve success or happiness.
Earning a good income is unattainable for someone like me.
To overcome these beliefs, we must first acknowledge their presence. They may feel like undeniable truths, but they are merely obstacles to achieving our full potential.
Challenging these beliefs involves examining their validity and questioning their origins. A strategy that has helped me is reflecting on my progress rather than setting rigid goals.
Instead of aiming for a specific outcome, I recommend tracking your accomplishments. I use an Excel sheet to document wins alongside setbacks, reviewing my progress quarterly. This allows me to celebrate growth and identify areas for improvement without the pressure of unattainable goals.
So, what self-limiting beliefs might be stifling your voice? Is it fear of failure, insecurity in your abilities, or something else entirely? Here are some questions to consider:
What limiting beliefs hinder my pursuit of dreams?
When do I feel least confident in my abilities?
Who or what has shaped these beliefs?
How have these beliefs affected my life and goals?
What could I achieve if I released these beliefs?
I encourage you to journal your responses. Exploring these thoughts may reveal significant insights. If you find revisiting painful memories challenging, consider seeking guidance from resources like my book, Beautifully Imperfect, which offers a roadmap for addressing childhood trauma.
Chapter 2: Challenging Your Self-Limiting Beliefs
Once you pinpoint your self-limiting beliefs, the next step is to confront them. Remember, these beliefs are not immutable facts; they are perceptions that can be reshaped.
Here are strategies to challenge these beliefs:
Question their validity: Investigate if there's any evidence to support these beliefs.
Look for counterexamples: Reflect on individuals who have succeeded despite facing similar challenges.
Reframe the belief: View limitations as opportunities for growth.
Visualize success: Imagine achieving your dreams, which can motivate you to act.
Seek support: Surround yourself with people who uplift and encourage you.
Understand that challenging self-limiting beliefs is a gradual process. Over time, you can replace them with empowering thoughts that pave the way for your success.
Ultimately, if you won't allow others' doubts to deter you from pursuing your passions, why let your own self-limiting beliefs hold you back? Continue to challenge yourself and develop your writing skills. With time, believing in yourself will become second nature, making it easier to share your thoughts and creativity online.
The second video, "Overcome Your Limiting Beliefs By REPROGRAMMING Your Mind | Mel Robbins," offers practical tips on transforming your mindset to foster personal growth and success.